Am I remembering not to look down on or cause little children to sin?

5 “And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 10 See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” - Mat 18:5-6, 10

Insight

One time, while I was still in the early stages of studying, compiling, and memorizing the teachings of Christ, at the library, I saw a teenager being very mean and nasty to his younger brother. Because of my childhood, I can spot bullying a mile away, and it instantly makes me angry. I tried to ignore it, hoping the kid would just stop, but he continued smacking him on the head, kicking his feet to trip him, and calling him names. The young boy, probably about 8 years old, eventually erupted in frustration, “I’m not an F$#1*&$ idiot!” That was all I could take. I felt my blood beginning to heat up and my face turning flush. I put my head down and whispered, “Lord, help me to calm down, and how can I help this situation your way?”

I had been working on scripture flash cards, and I had just written out today’s passage a few minutes earlier. I picked up the card, walked over to the older teenage brother, and with a calm little smile, I politely handed him the card and said, “This is for you.” I turned around and left without saying another word. Just minutes later, they passed by again down a different aisle and that little boy had a completely different big brother. The bully had left the building! What a wonderful moment that was! I didn’t have to get forceful or loud with the boy—just a smile and a timely word from God, which pierced his heart! I have no doubt that he will likely remember that moment for the rest of his life.

Let us remember that we are to be the defender of His defenseless ones, whenever we can.